Chihuahuas are enjoyable pets--small dogs with large personalities! Like all dogs, Chihuahuas require occasional bathing. Your Chihuahua's bath frequency may depend upon whether she goes outdoors. Also, short hair Chis usually require bathing less than long hair Chis, mainly because baths keep the long hair tame.If your Chihuahua is new to bathing or exhibits skittish behavior, you can do some things to make his experience enjoyable. Here are some tips:

Let your dog smell gloves, shampoo, your sink, towels and any other items you'll be using as you wash your Chihuahua. Dogs perceive very strongly through smell, so it will help your dog if you give her a chance to examine the bathing implements before using them.

Try bathing your dog in a small area, such as a sink with a non-slip mat in it. The mat will help your dog feel more stable as you wash her.

Bathe your Chihuahua once per week or less. If you bathe him frequently, use a medicated shampoo.

If your Chihuahua is particularly affectionate, wrap him in a towel and carry him about a bit. This is a dry alternative to roughing up his fur.

Mind the temperature. Chis are really sensitive to the cold. Limit baths in cold temperatures and if you do bathe your dog during winter, make sure she relieves herself before her bath so she does not have to go outside wet and in the cold.

Chihuahuas are skittish but love to be clean and pretty. If you make bathing a routine with a reward, your dog may come to look forward to the experience. You can reward your dog with a small treat after his bath. Praise him and deliver affection over his clean, beautiful coat.Do you have more tips for bathing Chihuahuas? Please leave them below.

This post was originally published on Examiner.com as Chihuahua Examiner. Republished with permission of the author.

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